Saturday, January 29, 2011

UPDATE: The round-up for Dessert Wars: Nuts for Nutella has been posted. Please check out everyone else's delectable creations. I didn't end up winning but did get runner-up =).

When Flickr user Momma Cupcake contacted me recently about her new Dessert Wars contest, I wasn't sure I could fit more baking into this week's busy schedule. That was before I saw the theme (Nutella!) and prizes (details below) though! Needless to say, I crossed the distance from on-the-fence to eagerly-on-board faster than you can say "Nutella-holic." Also with World Nutella Day just a week away, I couldn't help but join in on the fun!

For anyone who's unfortunate enough to have never tried Nutella =p, it's an amazingly rich and creamy chocolate hazelnut spread that's fantastic on everything from crepes to cakes to my fingers. If you're still hungry to learn more, click right here.

Readers who're familiar with the alfajores from South America may have already dubbed these cookies a misnomer. And you would be right. These chocolate cookies hardly resemble the tender white biscuits enclosing decadent dulce de leche caramel that we know and love as alfajores. Still this recipe was in fact adapted from one for true alfajores, and thus the title pays homage to that history :).

As much as I adore traditional alfajores,I find this version to be a true treat in its own right. Both crisp and tender, the lightly chocolatey cookies complement the generous smear of Nutella inside. Rolling them through fragrant, lightly roasted crushed hazelnuts makes for enhanced flavor and presentation. If you're looking for a sweet indulgence for World Nutella Day, Valentine's Day, or any other day of the year, I hope your search ends here ;).

Using a handheld electric or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add whole egg and yolk and beat until incorporated. Add vanilla and brandy and mix well. Finally add the flour mixture and mix by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula until you get a soft dough. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Divide dough into 3 equal parts, and work on one at a time while keeping the rest covered. On a floured work surface, roll out dough to desired thickness, between 1/16 and 1/8-inch. Cut into rounds (traditional shape) or whatever shape you choose. Save scraps to re-roll (only once) and use at the end. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes, depending on size of cutter. Cookies should be just cooked but not browned. Repeat rolling, cutting, and baking cookies until all the dough is used up. Let all cookies cool completely.

Transfer chopped hazelnuts into a medium bowl; set aside. Once cookies have cooled, spread a spoonful of Nutella on one cookie and top it with another of similar shape and size. Press together gently, then roll edges of cookie sandwich in chopped hazelnuts. Repeat with remaining cookies.

Clearly, I'm missing out on Nutella....I know, it's such a shame, I have yet to dabble in this fabulous, glorious, creamy toothsome spread. Love the photo... brown & pink go so, so very well together... I LOVE IT!

Xiaolu - this is a sure winner! I am familiar with alfajores but never with chocolate and nutella. Am pretty sure that the South Americans would try to claim you as one of their own after seeing this. HAPPY NUTELLA DAY!

You are too funny - "anyone unfortunate enough to have tried Nutella". Yeah, that's me. I try not to even buy it anymore, or I find myself going back to the refrigerator for another spoonful. It is addictive. Your photo of these heart shaped cookies is gorgeous. I can't wait to try them and give a review on my chocolate blog at http://www.chocolatecentral.com.

These are beautiful, perfect for Valentine's Day (which I was rudely reminded we, as a couple, don't celebrate but that won't stop my oven from making heart-shaped goods!), and sound delicious. Good luck on the contest!

tigerfish - it sho iz! ;)Eliana - And I'd pass a bunch to you through the screen if I could!Michelle - Sounds like we're in the same predicament ;). I'd love to hear how you like this recipe if you end up trying it :).Ann - Thanks hun!Angie - Glad to hear it!Michelle - Hahaha. Trust me, I enjoyed those little cookies dunked in Nutella after the shoot.Ellie - Thanks!briarrose - you're making me blush...thx! XDmarla - I would too! Thanks for the well wishes.Reeni - It was my pleasure! Thanks to you guys for starting this awesome contest.Kat - Mmmm now that's a great idea!Cubicle - Please do try them out. I really think you'll enjoy them :).Jennifer - There's no time like the present to join all the rest of us addicts ;p.Sue - Thanks a lot!Anonymous - I have no problem if you don't agree with or support these harmless events that allow people to have some fun in the kitchen. In fact, I'm not sure how it started but I wouldn't be surprised if the company that makes Nutella began or supports the event. However, I've seen several recipes online for homemade chocolate hazelnut spread so you certainly don't have to buy from the company to enjoy it. Plus you gotta admit, it's damn delicious! To repeat what I said earlier, I am open to all points of view. However, there is no need to use namecalling with terms like "consumerist zombies" and if you're going to say something provocative, please at least have the guts to leave your real contact information and not post anonymously...Yasmin - =Damanda - I agree that Nutella makes most food better. This was a nice way to enjoy a cute and more sophisticated treat than Nutella on toast though :).noobcook - I'm glad you do! Thx!smalltownoven - oh why don't you guys celebrate it? Think it's too commercial or too sappy? ;p I'm not a huge fan of V-day either actually but our anniversary is actually just a week after so we have to celebrate anyway.RFR - LOL I am having fun picturing someone gnawing on a Nutella covered shoe...Lorraine - Aw thanks sweetie.Mickey - Thanks! I'll swing over to your site now...

I just spent a half hour reading through your blog and admiring your fabulous recipes and stunning photography. You've motivated me to jump into world nutella day (hope I make it on time..lol) with your amazing take on alfajores. You've got an outstanding blog and a new fan :)

And here I didn't think you could possibly make caramel-filled cookies any more appealing, and here you've done it! Those hearts are beyond adorable, and if anyone were to give me a box of these, I would probably declare my undying love on the spot. What a winning V-day gift.

I made these today and boy did they take a lot of work! You make it look easy (and not to mention beautiful).

Instead of re-rolling the scraps I formed them into little balls and pressed them between my hands. After baking I just added little dollops of nutella and pressed that on the crushed hazelnuts. They might not be alfajores that way but it was sure a time saver!

Hi Kristina! Thanks very much for trying these and leaving me feedback. Unfortunately, I think any cutout sandwich cookies will take a bit longer to make. But you've shared a great timesaver for when we're more in a rush to taste the cookies :). Thanks!